Tag: Sammy Watkins

Six points with David Dorey

Friday’s quick look at six fantasy items to know

The 2022 NFL season kicked off, and weekly fantasy points are already showing up beside your player names. Maybe not so much for Cam Akers or Allen Robinson, but all the other Rams and Bills. And we’ve already seen just how far off we were on a few things, namely the backfield usage for either Thursday night teams.

We’ll use this weekly space to discuss six players or situations that are of fantasy interest going into the weekend. The NFL constantly changes, constantly evolves, and trying to catch up or even get ahead of the transition week-to-week will pay dividends for your fantasy team.

So many things to watch in Week 1. Here’s the Top-6.

1.) Trey Lance – The 49ers’ hopes ride on the arm (and legs) of Lance who had a red shirt rookie year and now takes over. The 49ers still have Jimmy Garoppolo, so at worse, they are back to 2021. But Lance holds the promise of a wildly effective offense that is hard to defend. Lance holds the key to what Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle will do.  If Lance can maintain the same level of passing and succeed as a runner, then the 49ers will challenge for the division and return to the playoffs.

2.) Saquon Barkley – He’s already burned fantasy owners twice, so hesitancy is reasonable. But he’s looked back to form this summer in practices. Last year, he was still recovering from his 2020 torn ACL. The Giants have all new coaches, a “not as bad” offensive line, and a healthy Barkley. The Bears are about average on defense, so the test for Barkley on the road should be telling. If he looks good again, the rest of the offense gets a major boost. The passing game improves both from Barkley as a receiver, and from his presence drawing  focus away from the rest of the offense.

3.) Travis Etienne – We never saw him last year due to his torn Lis Franc, but he’s healthy again by all reports. If the same quality of player we saw at Clemson shows up this week at the Commanders, then the Jags’ offense takes a major step up. Washington sports a mostly average rushing defense and a bad secondary, so Etienne’s success should yield a solid idea for the rest of the season. With James Robinson slated to also play a role, he could be used in many ways. If Etienne meets expectations as a runner and a receiver, then the Jaguars’ offense improves significantly. If he’s just moderately effective, then last year could repeat. If he reaches what seems to be his potential, every Jaguar fantasy player improves and the offense under HC Doug Pederson blossoms.

4.) Dameon Pierce – Everyone will be watching him since he’s the rookie running back that made the biggest splash in the offseason. No matter that he was the seventh back drafted this year or that he runs behind a horrible offensive line against a terrible schedule. He looked legitimately impressive in the offseason. James Robinson wasn’t even drafted and yet he sent Leonard Fournette packing. It does happen.  Pierce has an uphill battle, but if he is successful, he makes the Texans offense much more balanced and effective. They host the Colts on Sunday, and that is no treat for any rusher. We’ll see just how good Pierce really is in Week 1.

5.) Baker Mayfield – He won the starting job in Carolina just like everyone expected. But his presence impacts the entire offense, and we’ll see what he can do when he is not playing for a run-first offense. We get to see if a new environment makes a difference. D.J. Moore turned in 1,000 yards each season despite playing with a number of sub-average quarterbacks. And Robbie Anderson topped 1,000 yards in Carolina in 2020 before disappearing last year. Mayfield could be much better than he was in Cleveland, and if he returns Anderson to more effective ways, this offense will surprise. He traded a running back that caught about one pass per game for a back that’s twice topped 100 catches in a season.

6.) Green Bay wideouts – Davante Adams took his 123 receptions to Vegas. That leaves a major void to fill. Some speculate that Aaron Jones benefits and while he may see more targets, it’s hard to imagine Aaron Rodgers suddenly becoming a check-down king and reticent to throw downfield. Allen Lazard is the default No. 1 receiver, though he’s nursing a bad ankle and may not play. But his best year was only 40-513-8. Randall Cobb is a starter, but only caught 28 passes when he returned last season. Sammy Watkins also starts but spent the last six years flopping on four different teams. Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson will figure in, though Rodgers hasn’t relied on rookies in the past.

Whichever receiver produces reliable fantasy production is entirely unclear. And yet – there will be value in this group. And it’s going to be a surprise.

So much to watch in Week 1. Once we better define the 2022 teams, we can start mining for emerging players the rest of the way. Welcome to the 2022 NFL season.

Fasten your seatbelt.

Packers WR Sammy Watkins making ‘a bunch of plays’ to finish out training camp

Veteran WR Sammy Watkins finished training camp strong, says Aaron Rodgers.

Until we see these Packers receivers in action for several weeks – and that may not be enough time – there are going to be question marks about this unit.

However, Sammy Watkins is going to be entering the regular season on the right foot after finishing out the last few weeks of training camp on a high note.

As quarterback Aaron Rodgers told reporters on Wednesday, Watkins has been reliable and making plays in bunches as of late:

“I’ll tell you what: Every since the Saints practice, the first one, Sammy has been a different player,” said Rodgers. “He’s been super reliable. Every practice he’s made a bunch of plays. Today, made a bunch of plays again.”

The issue with Watkins throughout his career has been staying on the field. His rookie season in 2014 was the only year that he appeared in every regular season game. Since 2020, he has played in only 23 games out of a possible 33 in the regular season.

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Yet when on the field, Watkins has still been relatively productive. Just last season with Baltimore, he averaged nearly 15 yards per catch. In 2019 with Kansas City, Watkins was targeted 105 times in the regular season and the playoffs and totaled 961 yards, including 98 in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win.

During 2018 and 2020, Watkins’ overall numbers weren’t as impressive as the aforementioned seasons, but he was efficient, catching just under 73% of 121 total targets over those two years, according to PFF.

In this Packers’ offense, Watkins will provide an experienced boundary presence for Rodgers to lean on, who can also win downfield. The only other receiver on this Packers roster who has NFL experience and can play outside is Allen Lazard, although he is at his best when playing from the slot.

Over this summer, we’ve seen the emergence of Romeo Doubs, with second-round pick Christian Watson continuing to get acclimated. While both will certainly see playing time and targets, Rodgers made it clear during minicamp that he prefers production over potential.

Although it’s going to be difficult keeping Doubs off the field with how well he has performed in the preseason, at least early on in the year, expect Rodgers to rely on his veteran pass catchers, Watkins, Lazard, and Randall Cobb, because of that trust factor.

As we all know, having Rodgers’ trust is important when it comes to consistently getting the ball. That not only means catching the passes that come your way but also being in the right spot at the right time and making last-second adjustments at the line of scrimmage, whether those cues are signaled verbally or non-verbally.

Watkins came to Green Bay with some clout because of his past success, which includes over 5,000 career receiving yards, but especially over the last few weeks, he has built upon that rapport with Rodgers by making plays when given the chance. This will lead to more opportunities in the regular season.

For this Green Bay Packers offense to be at its best in 2022, they’ll need a healthy and productive Sammy Watkins on the field.

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Clemson football all-time roster: Offensive starters and backups

See which legends made the cut in our all-time Clemson football roster, starting with the offensive starters and backups.

A program with a long, rich history, Clemson has seen a lot of great teams with a lot of incredible talent over the years as the program has developed into a marquee name in college football.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Tigers have had some exceptional players who have helped Clemson achieve greatness. From the freshman who led his team to a national championship in Trevor Lawrence to Jerry Butler and “The Catch,” Clemson has seen some remarkable offensive talents come through the program.

Becoming a premier program more recently under current head coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson has seen many of the program’s best offensive talent suit up for the Tigers in the past couple of decades.

Wondering what an all-time Clemson roster would look like? We’ve got you covered! Clemson Wire and the rest of our College Wire sites recently put together our all-time program rosters.

Here’s a look at our choices for the offensive starters and backups on Clemson football’s all-time roster:

Why Aaron Rodgers’ criticism of Packers receivers only improves Allen Lazard’s fantasy stock

Lazard is the unquestioned WR1 in Green Bay.

With the departure of Davante Adams for Las Vegas, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are attempting to bring a group of mostly inexperienced wide receivers up to the speed expected of a title-contending team.

Naturally, it hasn’t always been so smooth, and Rodgers finally hit somewhat of a breaking point Tuesday, deciding to make his frustrations with drops and inconsistencies public.

“The young guys, especially young receivers, we’ve got to be way more consistent,” Rodgers said. “A lot of drops, a lot of bad route decisions, running the wrong route. We’ve got to get better in that area.”

However, as reported by ESPN Packers writer Rob Demovsky, Rodgers’ ire wasn’t directed at the most veteran members of the team’s receiving corp, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb or Sammy Watkins. In fact, Lazard was one of the veterans who spoke in a meeting with the group after Rodgers’ critiques. And the QB himself has sung the praises of Lazard this summer.

“I really think Allen is ready to make a jump and be a No. 1 receiver,” Rodgers said early in camp.

The struggles of other receivers only increases the amount Rodgers will trust Lazard in big spots. And if Rodgers trusts Lazards in that role, so should fantasy football managers. I already explained why I believe Lazard is a fantasy sleeper at the receiver position, so knowing there’s potentially a growing separation between himself and Green Bay’s other receivers only strengthens my opinion. He’ll go into the season as the top option.

However, it’s not like Green Bay is short on options for secondary receivers. By many accounts, fourth-round pick Romeo Doubs has been solid, and second-round pick Christian Watson appears to be nearing a return from injury. But outside of Watkins and Cobb, none of the other receivers have more than three years experience. That Rodgers is lighting into the group now only increases the chances of them being ready for the start of the season and taking defensive attention off the top option, Lazard.

And apparently, it’s already working. The young receivers bounced back for a good day Wednesday.

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Packers WR Sammy Watkins enjoys ‘best practice of camp’ to open joint practices

Aaron Rodgers said veteran WR Sammy Watkins had 3 or 4 standout plays during Tuesday’s joint practice with the Saints.

Amidst the inconsistency and repeated mistakes of the young wide receivers, Green Bay Packers veteran Sammy Watkins enjoyed what Aaron Rodgers called his “best practice of camp” on Tuesday during the first of two joint practices with the New Orleans Saints.

“Sammy, I thought, had his best practice,” Rodgers said. “He was making plays.”

The Packers signed Watkins to a one-year deal to help stabilize the wide receiver room after losing Davante Adams.

“He’s a gamer,” Rodgers said. “One of those veterans that we’ve had here over the years, where there are some times when you’re not seeing a bunch of flash plays, and then what happens? We bring another team out here and he makes three or four plays out there and has his best practice of camp. So, I’m really happy for Sammy.”

Watkins, a veteran of 99 NFL games, started with the first team alongside Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb.

On one free play during an 11-on-11 period, Rodgers hit Watkins down the sideline for a likely touchdown. It was one of several plays that caught the quarterback’s eye during the competitive periods.

More and more, Watkins looks like a player that Rodgers can trust to start the 2022 season. The four-time MVP said he feels “better” about his connection with Watkins after Tuesday’s standout day.

More importantly, the veteran’s steady performance stood in stark contrast to the repeated mistakes by young players at the position.

“The young guys, especially young receivers, we’ve got to be way more consistent,” Rodgers said. “A lot of drops, a lot of bad route decisions, running the wrong route. We’ve got to get better in that area.”

Rodgers’ patience is starting to dwindle as the regular season approaches, making Watkins’ experience all the more valuable.

“We’re going to play our best guys when the season starts,” Rodgers said. “It’s the guys I trust the most, the guys who the coaches trust the most.”

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Four former Tigers named among NFL players with most to prove in 2022

This week, Pro Football Focus (PFF) published an article on players on all 32 NFL teams with the most to prove in 2022. A quartet of former Clemson stars appeared on PFF’s list, including a couple of former Tiger quarterbacks in Trevor Lawrence of …

This week, Pro Football Focus (PFF) published an article on players on all 32 NFL teams with the most to prove in 2022.

A quartet of former Clemson stars appeared on PFF’s list, including a couple of former Tiger quarterbacks in Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns.

Widely regarded as a can’t-miss prospect and generational talent coming out of Clemson, Lawrence’s rookie season was largely one to forget as he struggled to the tune of throwing more interceptions (17) than touchdown passes (12) and posting a QBR of 33.5 that ranked 28th in the league.

Aside from the challenge of simply getting adjusted to the NFL as a first-year signal-caller, Lawrence had to deal with all the drama that surrounded the Jaguars’ organization during Urban Meyer’s tumultuous 13-game tenure as the team’s head coach in 2021 before he was canned in December.

Lawrence heads into the 2022 season with not only a new head coach and staff to help guide him, but also a better supporting cast on the field around him after the Jaguars pulled out their pocketbook this offseason to sign free agents such as wide receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, tight end Evan Engram and offensive lineman Brandon Scherff.

“Lawrence disappointed as a rookie with a 59.6 PFF grade, but he faced an uphill battle amid the coaching staff chaos around him,” PFF’s Doug Kyed wrote.

“‘Lawrence will take a step forward,’ one source said. ‘The players around him are more talented, and the team will be better coached.'”

As for Watson, his punishment from the NFL is still up in the air, as the league is appealing the six-game suspension that he was handed Monday by Judge Sue L. Robinson, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA.

Multiple reports indicate that the NFL will pursue a significantly longer punishment for Watson and that the league is seeking an indefinite suspension of at least one year.

“Watson sat out of the 2021 season and inked a record-setting deal worth $230 million after being traded to the Browns,” Kyed wrote. “He better be one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks when he does finally see the field, which could be a while if the NFL gets its way following the appeal of his six-game suspension. The NFL is seeking a full-season suspension.”

Former Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who signed a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers in April, is also mentioned among the players with the most to prove this season according to PFF.

Watkins wasn’t ready to practice at the start of training camp, as he was placed on the non-football injury list, but has since returned to action.

Due to a slew of different injuries, Watkins hasn’t played in more than 14 games in any of his NFL seasons with the Bills (2014-16), Los Angeles Rams (2017), Kansas City Chiefs (2018-20) and Ravens (2021), and he has only one 1,000-yard receiving season, which came with the Bills in 2015 (1,047).

Still, Watkins has had a productive NFL career overall, totaling 348 receptions for 5,059 yards and 34 touchdowns in 99 games (91 starts), and he was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV championship team in 2019.

“Watkins was once one of the best and brightest wide receivers in the NFL,” Kyed wrote. “He tweaked a hamstring training before camp and briefly started the summer on the non-football injury list, but he’s been back on the field in recent days. If he can stay healthy, he can be Aaron Rodgers’ No. 1 target and turn around his career.”

Former Clemson do-it-all defender Isaiah Simmons of the Arizona Cardinals also appeared on PFF’s list.

In 17 games last season (17 starts), Simmons tallied 105 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, seven passes defended and an interception.

Through his first two NFL seasons, the 2020 first-round draft pick has accounted for 159 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, seven quarterback hits, five forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, nine passes defended and two picks.

“Simmons was the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft but has just a 51.8 PFF grade through two seasons,” Kyed wrote. “He’s played 789 snaps in the box, where he’s earned a 61.9 grade, 326 snaps on the defensive line (51.4 grade), 236 snaps in the slot (40.2 grade), 39 snaps at cornerback (68.7 grade) and 10 snaps at free safety (32.6 grade). Early in camp, Simmons has been playing the “star” or nickel role in the Cardinals’ defense.”

Packers WR Sammy Watkins coming off NFI list, to practice Friday

The Green Bay Packers will get back veteran WR Sammy Watkins at the receiver position for Friday’s practice. 

The Green Bay Packers will get back a key veteran at the wide receiver position for Friday’s practice.

Coach Matt LaFleur said that Sammy Watkins will come off the non-football injury list with the “goal” of him practicing with the team on Friday.

Watkins, who is hoping to revive his career in Green Bay this season, went on the non-football injury list to start training camp and missed the first two practices with a minor hamstring injury.

The Packers were expecting to get him back early in camp. He needs the reps to learn LaFleur’s offense and get on the same page with Aaron Rodgers this summer.

Last season, Watkins caught 27 passes for 394 yards and two touchdowns over 13 games with the Baltimore Ravens. He’s missed 10 games over the last two seasons to injuries.

Rookie Christian Watson (knee) remains on the PUP list. The team is also without Malik Taylor (shoulder) at wide receiver.

Cornerback Keisean Nixon (groins) remains on the non-football injury list.

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Fantasy football training camp roundup: July 24-28

A spin around all of the fantasy football buzz as training camps get underway.

Now that all teams have reported to training camps across the NFL, here’s a spin around the league for a look at the most notable fantasy football news as of Thursday, July 28.

Aaron Rodgers: Allen Lazard ready to make jump to No. 1 WR for Packers

Aaron Rodgers had a lot to say about the Packers wide receivers on the first day of training camp.

Since taking over as the starting quarterback in 2008, Aaron Rodgers has always had an established No. 1 wide receiver. From Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams, Rodgers has always had “that guy.” 

Now as he prepares for his 18th year in the league, the reigning MVP will do so without that proven No. 1 wide receiver. 

“When you walk in the locker room for so many years and you see 87’s locker, that’s Jordy Nelson. You see Davante Adams. It gives you a different feel. You just kind of know that you got that guy. We have some opportunities for some guys to step into that role.”

Allen Lazard is the odds-on favorite to become the next No. 1 wide receiver for Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. During the final five regular season games last season, Lazard hauled in 21 receptions for 290 yards and five touchdowns. 

“I think Allen is ready to make a jump and be a No. 1 wide receiver,” Rodgers said. “Excited about the opportunity to work with him.”

With Adams now in Las Vegas, there will be even more opportunities for Lazard to showcase his talents and build off his strong finish to the 2021-2022 season.

“He’s capable of a lot,’ Rodgers said. “Since his first day, he’s turned heads…He’s been working hard. He has a lot to prove to himself…I like a hungry Allen Lazard.”

After trading Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders and losing Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency Brian Gutekunst needed to rebuild Green Bay’s wide receiver room.

Gutekunst went out and signed veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins to a one-year deal and drafted three wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

A wide receiver depth chart that currently consists of names like Lazard, Cobb, Watkins, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Amari Rodgers, and Samori Toure is not going to turn heads. However, Rodgers likes the makeup of the group. 

“Allen sets the standard,” Rodgers said. “Randall sets the standard…the young guys have to pay attention…there is a lot of talent in that room for sure, and a lot of motivation for some of the comments that’s been sent that room’s way. I like what we did on day one.”

Lazard, Cobb, Watkins, Watson, Doubs, and Rodgers all would appear to be roster locks at this point. A player that could force Green Bay to keep seven wide receivers is Juwann Winfree. Winfree has eight career receptions to his name but has earned the trust of the reigning MVP. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if 88 is over there saying ‘I’m a pretty damn good football player, don’t forget about me’…I think he definitely is going to put himself into a position to have an impact,” Rodgers said. “I’m really proud of Juwann. He’s always been a professional for us.”

Cobb is the seasoned veteran among the group and has 591 career receptions to his name. However, he’s nowhere near the player that caught 91 passes for the Packers in 2014. 

Watkins has 348 career receptions but hasn’t played a full slate of games since his rookie season in 2014. 

Lazard is the clear-cut favorite to become Rodgers’ next go-to guy. Who will step up behind him is unclear. Rodgers noted that the young players have talent, but said it will take time to see who becomes the next great wide receiver for the Packers. 

“Obviously 17 as a rookie wasn’t what he was when he left,” Rodgers said. “Jordy Nelson as a rookie was returning kicks and I think he had one or two touchdowns…We need to have patience with them.”

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Sammy Watkins injury update

A former Clemson and current NFL wide receiver isn’t ready for the start of training camp but should be ready to practice soon. Sammy Watkins was placed on the non-football injury list Tuesday, which means he isn’t practicing with the Green Bay …

A former Clemson and current NFL wide receiver isn’t ready for the start of training camp but should be ready to practice soon.

Sammy Watkins was placed on the non-football injury list Tuesday, which means he isn’t practicing with the Green Bay Packers right now.

However, The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman reported Wednesday that Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst called Watkins’ undisclosed injury a “very short-term thing.”

So while Watkins landing on the NFI list indicates that he got injured while apart from the Packers, Gutekunst’s comment suggests it’s not a serious injury and that Watkins should be able to hit the field again soon.

Due to a slew of different injuries, Watkins — who signed a one-year deal with the Packers in April — hasn’t played in more than 14 games in any of his NFL seasons with the Bills (2014-16), Los Angeles Rams (2017), Kansas City Chiefs (2018-20) and Ravens (2021), and he has only one 1,000-yard receiving season, which came with the Bills in 2015 (1,047).

Still, Watkins has had a productive NFL career overall, totaling 348 receptions for 5,059 yards and 34 touchdowns in 99 games (91 starts), and he was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV championship team in 2019.

Come out to support Clemson softball at Dear Old Clemson’s second event which is set for August 27 at the Madren Conference Center.  Clemson returns one of the top teams in the nation and adds some new talent to the mix.   If you sign up for certain club levels you get free access to all Dear Old Clemson events or purchase your tickets today at Dear Old Clemson.